Unexpected Love

Unexpected Love Part 2

Tabitha was nervous yet very excited. Today was the day she would go on her first date with Matt. She didn't know what time he would be there to get her so she made sure to get ready early. She wondered where he would take her and what they would do. She did her best to wait patiently, but by mid afternoon she was beginning to think he wasn't coming. Maybe they had an issue come up on their trip that held them up an extra day? She started to worry a little. What if one of them was sick or hurt? Just then, she heard a knock at the door. She got up and opened he door relieved to see Matt standing there with flowers in his hand and a huge grin on his face. He was even more handsome than she remembered. "Wow! These are beautiful Matt. Thank you!", she said to him. "I'm glad you like them," he answered. Tabitha took the flowers from him and wrapped her free arm around him, giving him a hug. He hugged her back and she could smell his musky scent. She tried not to hug him too long making it awkward. "Do you want to come in for a minute while I put these in water?", she asked him. "Sure.", he answered.

Matt looked around her apartment as he walked behind her to the kitchen. "Nice place.", he complimented. "Thanks.", she replied. "I'm still settling in and making it mine, but I think it's coming along." When she was finished putting the flowers in a vase, she asked, "So what do you want to do today?" "Well, I thought I would take you fishing if you're alright with that. We can do something else if you don't like fishing.", he answered nervously. "No, I'd like to go fishing," she replied. He seemed relieved at her answer. "Good! I've got a sciff down on the dock! Are you ready to go now?", he asked. Tabitha smiled at his excitement and said, "Yes, just let me grab my jacket and I'm all ready to go!"

Matt was a total gentleman, doting over Tabitha the entire date. He helped her climb into the sciff and then helped her with her life jacket. She told him she didn't have much experience fishing so when they got out to a good spot, he baited her line for her and gave her pointers on how to cast properly. After about an hour, Matt had caught a few fish and Tabitha had even caught one herself. They brought them back to her apartment to cook up for supper. When they got there she said nervously to Matt, "I have a confession. This is the first fish I have ever caught and I have no idea how to clean it!" Matt laughed and teased, "Well try not to get too grossed out when I show you!" Tabitha laughed too and said, "Well wouldn't it make for a memorable first date if you made me puke?" They both laughed at this. She was glad they were getting more comfortable with each other.

They cooked the fish outside on her barbecue and ate at her small table in the back yard. When they were finished, Matt helped her bring everything in and then helped her do the dishes. They got along really well and Tabitha was impressed with his willingness to help clean up. It had been a perfect date.

When they were finished the dishes Matt said, "Well, I need to get back to my family at our boat so we can get home before dark. I had a really good time Tabitha." "Me too.", Tabitha said. "Thank you for all your help and for teaching me how to clean a fish." She walked Matt outside her front door to say goodbye. Just as she thought he was about to lean in and kiss her, they heard a gruff voice say, "Are you coming or what?" They both looked over at the man and Matt, sounding a little annoyed, said, "Tabitha, this is my brother Bam." She waved and said, "Nice to meet you, Bam." Bam smiled and said hello while looking her up and down. Was he checking her out? He couldn't be. She was on a date with his brother. Bam made her feel a liitle uneasy but she tried to shake it off. She made plans with Matt for another date in a few days while Bam waited impatiently and then they left.

The next day, Tabitha was at the coffee shop getting a coffee to go when she heard a familiar gruff voice behind her. "So what do you see in him anyway?" Tabitha turned and saw Bam and said, "Who, your brother? Well he's a really nice guy and he's funny." "I'm nice and I'm funny.", Bam answered. "I'm sorry Bam, but I'm dating Matt. Honestly, I'm shocked that you would try to convince me to date you instead of him." He smirked but said, "Sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Just then, Matt walked up to them. "Hi.", he said, looking at them both. He could tell something wasn't right. "Hi.", Tabitha replied. She was relieved that Matt showed up when he did. She wasn't sure that Bam would back off if he didn't. "Is everything OK?", he asked. "Yeah. We were just chatting.", Bam answered. Tabitha nodded, not wanting to start trouble between the brothers. "I'll see you back at the boat.", Bam said to Matt. "OK man, I'll be right behind you.", Matt answered.

Matt turned back to Tabitha and said, "So for our second date, I was thinking you could come out to our island. It would be overnight, but you can sleep in my tire house and I will bunk with Bear in the tree house." "Sure. That sounds like fun!", Tabitha answered. He had told her so much about their land and she was very interested in seeing it and how they live. "I can't kick you out of your house though. Can't I bring a tent to sleep in?" Matt laughed and said, "Sure, if you don't mind being bear food. I don't mind staying with Bear for a night. Don't worry about it. I just want you to be comfortable." Tabitha said, "OK. You're very sweet. Thank you." Matt smiled and said, "I will pick you up in the morning so we can get there for lunch." Tabitha smiled back and answered, "I can't wait."